Top 5 Reasons Your Garage Door Won't Open (And How to Fix It)

A garage door that refuses to open is incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to leave for work. While some issues require a professional, others are surprisingly simple.

1. Dead Transmitter Batteries

This sounds obvious, but it's the most common cause. If the wall switch opens the door but your remote doesn't, swap the batteries in the remote.

2. Blocked Photo-Eye Sensors

Your garage door has two small sensors near the ground to prevent the door from crushing anything. If they are misaligned, dirty, or blocked by a broom or box, the door will refuse to close, and sometimes refuse to open. Wipe them clean and make sure they are pointing directly at each other.

3. Broken Torsion Springs

Listen closely. Did you hear a loud "BANG!" from the garage recently? That was likely a torsion spring breaking. These springs lift the heavy weight of the door. WARNING: Never attempt to replace a torsion spring yourself. The immense tension can cause severe injury or death.

4. Snapped Cables

If the cables that run alongside the door are snapped or frayed, the door will not lift evenly or at all. This also requires professional replacement.

5. The Disconnect Switch Was Pulled

Every garage door opener has a manual disconnect cord (usually with a red handle). If someone pulled it, the motor will run, but the door won't move. You simply need to re-engage the carriage.

When in doubt, don't risk injury. Contact a local garage door repair specialist.